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| GMO labeling could become compulsory in Vermont, despite opposition from some manufacturers. Image: Shutterstock |
Vermont’s new genetically modified organism (GMO) labeling
law, Act 121, already has manufacturers protesting. While Vermont is the first state to approve
such a law, the Grocery Manufacturers Association, among other groups, are
trying to keep it from taking effect on July 1, 2016.
The plaintiffs are asking
for a preliminary injunction, claiming that the law is “a politically
motivated speech regulation that does not serve a legitimate governmental
interest.” They say that mandatory GMO
labeling violates the free speech rights of food manufacturers, requiring them
to devote space on food labels to this information, while companies that don’t
use GMOs will not have to deal with the regulation.
They also argue that the law is pre-empted by federal
statutes regarding food labels and genetic engineering.
State attorneys, on the other hand, say the law “was expressly prompted by health and safety
concerns—not to mention the goals of environmental protection, prevention of
consumer deception and religious accommodation,” according to The Capital Press.
Chief US District
Court Judge Christina Reiss will hear
oral arguments on the issue in mid-December, likely December 18 or 19, both
from the Grocery Manufacturers Association and the state of Vermont, which has
asked that the complaint be dismissed and not be allowed to be revised and refiled.
In addition, Vermont
Attorney General William Sorrell is planning three public meetings on
proposed rules that would implement the new law, to be held the week of October
20 in Burlington, Montpelier, and Brattleboro.
Sorrell hopes the meetings will solidify the scope and goal of the law
while minimizing burdens on the companies who would have to comply.
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